Alabama

If we make a mistake, let's err on the side of inclusion. Let's leave exclusion and the politics of division and obstructionism to the other guys.

In Alabama, it may not come as a shocking surprise that the
Stonewall Democrats were just denied a seat at the executive committee of the
Alabama Democratic Party right at the same time America kicked off Gay Pride
month.

Naturally, this made sense given the fantastic financial
shape of the state party and its recent track-record of glowing public
relations.

It appears that the Stonewalls were stone-walled ...

Perhaps, it's because some folks thought the name
"Stonewall" referred to a fierce, albeit mostly forgotten, Confederate general
instead of the name of a saloon that became infamous for historic riots and
police brutality in 1969; renowned as the catalyst for the gay civil rights
movement in New York City and across America.

Oh, those
Stonewalls ... Well, how dare a small
percentage of the electorate demand that they have representation in a party
that champions civil rights for all people ... that could dilute power from
certain traditional voting blocs ... oh, the audacity ...

Ironically, the vote occurred after the interim chair, Nancy
Worley, asked Democrats to put aside their internal differences and to unite around
the common cause of advancing the Democratic principles of economy, education
and equality.

The vote also occurred after the Minority Caucus met
separately, prior to the general committee meeting, led by Joe Reed, to receive
instructions on how they were to vote on the proposed amendment; one that would
have included the Stonewalls, the Hispanic Caucus, as well as the high school
and college Democrats as members of the executive committee of the state party.

Maybe, this is just a problem of nomenclature ... The phrase, "Minority
Caucus" could be interpreted as being singular, so, it must mean that there is
only one minority group in Alabama. Other groups that represent a minority of
the population, like Hispanics or the LGBT community, probably just aren't big
enough yet to meet the rigorous requirements of minority status. Right, that
makes perfect sense.

So, without any substantive discussion or debate, the
Minority Caucus took its cue from Joe Reed to vote in unison and they overwhelmingly
killed the amendment.

So, let me get this absolutely straight (honestly, no pun
intended), the Minority Caucus of the Alabama Democratic Party unanimously strangled
an amendment that would have promoted inclusion and diversity?

Did they miss that part in the Democratic Party Platform
that called for civil rights equality, regardless of sexual orientation, that also
simultaneously recognized the rights of religious organizations to administer
the sacrament of marriage without government interference?

Or, was it because Hispanics were included in the mix or
maybe those unruly high school kids?

Unfortunately, some people look at a party platform as a
"pick and choose" buffet, rather than a complete set of guiding and unifying principles.

Some folks have proudly proclaimed, "You can be
conservative, pro-life, pro-gun, opposed to taxes and still be a Democrat. Sure
nuff a big tent party!" Well, Bubba, I hate to tell ya ... but, ya can't ... Just like
you can't be sorta pregnant, half-way sober, or pray the gay away.

Just like you can't be for equality for only some people whose
lifestyle you agree with because they just so happen to look and believe the
same way you do.

If you really feel that way, Bubba, you can come out of the
closet because I know just the party for you ... They'll just adore all the
phobias you've been collecting like ticks on a hound dog. When they say that the enemy is outside of
the room you're in, you'll know exactly what they mean. You better get down to
the pawn shop before all the ammo is gone ...

One can agree to disagree on the nuance of policy, but not on
matters of core values and principles.

For modern Democrats, the ideals of diversity, inclusion
and equality are the foundation of a party platform that promotes progressive
policies that ensure social justice and guarantee equal opportunities for all Americans.

True, it hasn't always been that way, but the Alabama
Democratic Party has actually evolved. The issue of including the Stonewalls,
Hispanics and youth groups into the executive committee represents a major
step in the ongoing evolution of the party. We are facing daunting challenges
and it's time for all hands on deck.

Hopefully, the state party leaders will understand why
people are upset about this decision and work to change it immediately.
Hopefully, members of the state committee will view their positions as more
than just a possible ticket to a convention and work diligently to make the
state party a formidable force again. There is untapped strength in our
diversity and it is certainly our time to move the party forward.

If we make a mistake, let's err on the side of inclusion.
Let's leave exclusion and the politics of division and obstructionism to the
other guys.

It's not in our playbook and they're much better at it
anyway.

Clete Wetli is head of the Madison County Democratic Party, and volunteer community blogger for AL.com.

Related Stories

Columnists

Alabama prisons

Through a series of interactive workshops, people shared their concerns about crowded prisons, listed possible actions and identified costs and consequences. What emerged from this exercise are these three possible approaches.